Chris said: "Everybody loves a good oatcake. One thing we notice is people visiting the city are very keen to try them.

"I've been constantly busy all morning."

Alex Povey, managing director of Povey's Oatcakes, in Biddulph, said: "We are normally busy anyway but this week we do see an increase in trade.

"We supply a batch of oatcakes to various events that happen around the city too.

"I think it's great that there's a day to celebrate our region's signature food and we're anticipating a fun Oatcake Day this year."

Founder Terry Bossons launched Oatcake Day in 2010 after more than 8,000 people backed an online campaign for a bash to celebrate Staffordshire's signature dish.

Terry, a volunteer at Six Towns Radio, said: "It all started out as a joke between friends and then it just seemed to spiral from there. I wasn't serious about it at first, but as I get to meet a lot of people through my job as a DJ and a radio volunteer I decided to start telling people about it.

"I've roped a lot of celebrities into endorsing the day and trying oatcakes, and pretty much all of them loved them. I'm still so surprised about the amount of support I've had and I'm really pleased people are embracing it nationally, as well as in this area."

As part of the celebrations an Oatcake Day gig will take place at the Sugarmill in Hanley tonight.

The evening will include sets from former Sex Pistols bass guitarist Glen Matlock with support from Dirty Rotten Souls and South Wall Corner Club.

Danni Brownsill, aged 26, a promoter at the popular nightspot, said: "We've supported National Oatcake Day since Terry set it up. It's always a busy gig and we get lots of people through the door.

"People take pride in the day because it's very much a point of pride for people here.

"And we can't think of a better way to celebrate it than with oatcakes, live music and beer."

Meanwhile, Titanic Brewery have created their very own oatcake-flavoured stout for sale in Titanic pubs.

Keith Lawton, spokesman for Titanic Brewery, said: "It's a lovely stout made from oats and it tastes absolutely fantastic. We only produce it once a year and we sell it until it runs out, in most of our pubs.

"Unfortunately I imagine it will be all gone by the weekend."

Elsewhere in the region, families are expected to flock to Congleton town centre for the annual Oatcake games.

The event, held between 10.30am until 2pm will see local people joining in various games and competitions – including Oatcake throwing, tossing and hopscotch.

Top Nosh of West Street will be cooking up oatcakes in the town centre and Congleton Oatcake shop in Lawton Street will provide oatcakes for the games and vouchers for those taking part.

Paul Bates, chairman of the Congleton Business Association, which helps organise the day said: "Pancake Day is celebrated all over the country. Oatcake Day is our regional variation. Last year was the first time we joined in the National Oatcake Day celebrations and it proved really popular.

"We hope it brings more people into the town centre which will benefit all the traders."

Meanwhile, a poll on The Sentinel's website www.stokesentinel.co.uk showed bacon and cheese as the runaway favourite filling last night.